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Temporary Methotrexate Discontinuation in RA: Ensuring Vaccination Immunogenicity

HSS rheumatologist Allan Gibofsky, MD, discussed how disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect a patient's vulnerability to infection for Rheumatology Advisor.

"Many of the DMARDs and biologic agents used to manage RA reduce the immune response to some vaccines, and this impairment of the immune response may increase the likelihood of a viral illness [developing] in an individual already at increased risk for infection," said Dr. Gibofsky.

If a patient requires vaccinations, Dr. Gibofsky advised clinicians to "have close communication and coordination with the patient's primary care provider to facilitate an effective and comprehensive vaccination schedule."

"Once the diagnosis of an autoimmune disease is made by the clinician, the patient should receive all relevant vaccinations before treatment is started," Dr. Gibofsky added.

Read the full article at rheumatologyadvisor.com